Integrated display and input system

ABSTRACT

A method is set forth for providing for the integration of gaming functions and system functions into a gaming device of the type having a video touch screen display. The method includes configuring a platform for the gaming device to have at least a first processor for real time processing of hardware tasks and game logic processes and a second processor for processing system logic and game and system information display processes. At least one first processor and second processor are arranged to control said display to display a gaming interface for viewing a wagering game for play by a player and the second processor is configured to display a systems interface into said gaming interface to display non-game system information from said system-based information signals. The systems logic processes are kept separate from said game logic processes. In various embodiments the method includes displaying a system interface when a player or employee inserts a card into a card reader. In some embodiments the gaming interface may be controlled to relinquish the display to the systems interface.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/967,221, filed Sep. 28, 2001, and entitled INTEGRATED DISPLAY ANDINPUT SYSTEM, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a gaming system that incorporatesaccess to player services and, more particularly, to a system andmethodology for integrating gaming functions and system functions on agaming display screen of a gaming device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, gaming machines have been designed for gaming purposesonly. In this regard, gaming machines have been constructed only toinclude gaming functionality. Recently, however, casino owners havebecome aware that by adding additional features to gaming machines, theymay be able to maintain a player's attention to the gaming machines forlonger periods of time. This, in turn, leads to the player wagering atthe gaming machine for longer periods of time, thereby increasing casinoprofits.

One technique that has been employed to maintain a player's attention tothe gaming machines has been to provide players with access to gamblingrelated information. By attaching a small electronic display to thegaming device, gambling related information, as well as news andadvertisements can be sent to the player. The gambling relatedinformation may include, for example, information on sports betting andbetting options for those sporting events. Additionally, the gamblingrelated information may also include information such as horseC1CCCracing and off-track betting. News and advertisements can alsomaintain a player's attention by providing the player with access toinformation ranging from show times, to restaurant and hotel specials,and to world events, thus reducing the need and/or desire for the playerto leave the gaming machine.

Moreover, it would be desirable for the player to be provided withinteractive access to the above information. This type of interactivitywould allow players significantly more flexibility to make use of theabove described information. The gambling related information could alsobe utilized by the player in a much more efficient manner. In thisregard, greater levels of flexibility and access are likely to make aplayer remain and gamble at the gaming machine for significantly longerperiods of time. Unfortunately, the system components that are currentlyutilized for displaying and accessing this type of information, such asexternal keypads and display modules, are extremely limited in thefunctionality and capabilities that they provide, thus limiting thesuccess of their ability to maintain a player's attention.

Additionally, it would be highly advantageous to allow casino employeesto be able to obtain system information from gaming machines in the mostefficient manner possible. Current attempts to provided employee accessto system information have involved attaching system components to thegaming machines. However, these attempts have also proved to beextremely limited in the functionality and capabilities that they canprovide. It would be desirable to allow employees simple and easy accessto system information directly from the gaming devices themselves, inorder to increase the efficiency of system maintenance and support.

As stated above, attempts to distribute gambling related information andadvertisements to players, and system maintenance information toemployees, has typically required additional system components to beattached to the gaming devices separately and apart from theconstruction of the gaming machine itself. Specifically, thesecomponents for accessing and displaying information from gaming machineshave been extremely limited in their usefulness because of the lack ofcapabilities inherent in these components. Such components havegenerally included a keypad, card reader, and display equipment, such asa 2-line LED display. It would be desirable for these components to beintegrated into the gaming device itself, in a more unified fashion toprovide substantially greater functionality than that which has beenpreviously available.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art have long recognized the need fora system that is capable of integrating expanded service and systemscapabilities with the more traditional function of a gaming device. Thepresent invention clearly addresses these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention resolves the aboveand other problems by providing a display and input system forintegrating service and system functions with gaming functions on agaming display screen of a gaming device. In this way, a more flexible,efficient, and interactive display and input system is provided.

More particularly, the gaming device utilizes a multiple processorplatform, in which at least one processor is capable of hard real timeprocessing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting agraphic user interface. The gaming device further includes a gaminginterface that is incorporated via the display screen. The gaminginterface enables a player to participate in a wagering game. Thedisplay and input system includes a systems interface that isincorporated via the display screen. The systems interface displayssystem information from a system network to a casino player or employeevia the display screen. Additionally, the systems interface allowsrequests to be input into the system network from the systems interfaceby a casino player or employee.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the insertion ofan identification card into the card reader activates the systemsinterface on the display screen. Only identification data is embedded onthe identification card. Preferably, the systems interface includes aplayer services interface and an employee systems interface. Insertionof an authorized player identification card into the card readeractivates the player services interface in the display screen whichprovides player access to service features. Insertion of an authorizedemployee identification card into the card reader activates the employeesystems interface in the display screen which provides an employeeaccess to system information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the displayand input system further includes a converter card connected to theadditional processor. The converter card enables the systems logicprocess to facilitate communication between the systems interface and asystem network which contains system information. Preferably, thedisplay and input system also includes a Y adapter that connects thedisplay screen to both the at least one processor and the additionalprocessor. Additionally, the second processor includes calibrationsoftware that enables the additional processor to calibrate the displayof system information on the display screen.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thegaming device utilizes the multiple processor platform. Preferably, theat least one processor runs all of the hard real time tasks related tothe controlling game peripherals. Either the at least one processor orthe additional processor runs a game logic process that includes thegame rules necessary to generate a wagering game via the gaminginterface. The additional processor runs a systems logic process thatprovides access to system information on a system network via thesystems interface. Preferably, the additional processor also runs a gamedisplay process that includes the audiovisual capabilities necessary togenerate a wagering game via the gaming interface. Moreover, the systemslogic process is maintained as a separate process from the game displayprocess.

In one preferred embodiment, the at least one processor that is capableof hard real time processing comprises a single processor. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the at least one processor that is capable of hardreal time processing comprises a plurality of processors. In onepreferred embodiment, the at least one processor runs the hard real timehardware related tasks and game logic process, and the additionalprocessor runs the system logic process and the game display process. Inanother preferred embodiment, the at least one processor runs only thehard real time hardware related tasks; and the additional processor runsthe system logic process, the game display process, and the game logicprocess.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the gamingdisplay screen of the display and input system includes a small regionthat, when selected, activates the systems interface. Preferably, thegame display process is a master process and the systems logic processis a slave process. The game display process recognizes when the smallregion of the display screen is selected, and relinquishes control ofthe display screen to the systems logic process, allowing communicationbetween the systems interface and a system network. Preferably, thedisplay and input system further includes a message section on thedisplay screen that is allocated for showing messages to the player ofthe gaming device. The message section on the display screen isdedicated to control by the systems logic process, and is free fromcontrol by the game display process.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thesystems interface utilizes touchscreen technology for inputting andaccessing system information in the systems network. Preferably, thesystems logic process and the game display process are separateprocesses that each comprises an independent thread. Thus, the systemslogic process is modifiable without impacting the game display process,and the game display process is modifiable without impacting the systemslogic process, thereby providing security and compatibility advantages.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directedtowards a display and input system for integrating service and systemfunctions with gaming functions into a gaming display screen of a gamingdevice within a gaming system. The gaming system includes a systemnetwork containing system information, a gaming device, a gaminginterface, and a network interface. The network interface connects thegaming device to the system network.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the systemsinterface of the display and input system includes a player servicesinterface and an employee systems interface. Preferably, the playerservices interface provides a player access to service features selectedfrom a group including, by way of example only, and not by way oflimitation, beverages, change, and transactions. Preferably, theemployee systems interface provides an employee access to systeminformation selected from a group including, by way of example only, andnot by way of limitation, game information, game monitoring unitaddress, test mode, machine reservation, hopper status, account meters,program state, and a meter zeroing function.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thedisplay and input system further includes a game monitoring unit thathas a converter card. The game monitoring unit includes a networkinterface card. Preferably, the converter card utilizes I²C hardware andsignaling. However, in other embodiments, the converter card utilizes aUSB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, or other type of compatiblehardware and protocol. The converter card enables the systems logicprocess to communicate with the systems interface and the systemnetwork.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directedtowards a gaming system for integrating system functions with gamingfunctions onto a gaming display screen of a gaming device. The gamingsystem includes a system network, a network interface, a gaming devicewith a display screen, a gaming interface, and a systems interface. Thesystem network contains system information that is beneficial to casinoplayers and employees. The network interface connects a gaming device tothe system network. The gaming interface is incorporated into thedisplay screen and enables a player to participate in a wagering game.The systems interface is also incorporated into the display screen. Thesystems interface displays system information from the system network toa casino player or employee via the display screen; and allows requeststo be input into the system network from the systems interface by acasino player or employee.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directedtowards a gaming device that integrates system functions with gamingfunctions into a gaming display screen of the gaming device. The gamingdevice includes a multiple processor platform, a gaming interface, aplayer services interface, an employee systems interface, and a cardreader. The player services interface is activated on the display screenupon insertion of an authorized player identification card into the cardreader. The player services interface provides a player access toservice features. Player identification cards are embedded only withplayer identification data. The employee systems interface is activatedin the display screen upon insertion of an authorized employeeidentification card into the on reader. The employee systems interfaceprovides an employee access to system information. Employeeidentification cards are embedded only with employee identificationdata.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directedtowards a method of integrating gaming functions and system functionsinto a gaming display screen of a gaming device. The gaming deviceincludes a display screen and a card reader. The method includes:generating a wagering game via a gaming interface by running a gamelogic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate awagering game, and by running a game display process that includes theaudio-visual capabilities necessary to generate a wagering game, andthat writes to the display screen of the gaming device; enabling aplayer to interact with the wagering game through the gaming interfacethat is incorporated into the display screen; generating a systemsinterface by running a systems logic process that provides access tosystem information on a system network and that writes to the displayscreen, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separateprocess from the game display process; and enabling activation of thesystems interface, wherein insertion of an authorized identificationcard, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the cardreader activates the systems interface in the display screen whichprovides access to system information in a system network.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, thefeatures of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a relational diagram of a display and input system,constructed in accordance with the present invention, utilizing a twoprocessor platform gaming device in conjunction with a gaming system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a relational diagram of the two processor platformgaming device and gaming system of FIG. 1, without the display and inputsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a display screen of a gaming device,in accordance with the present invention, while a gaming interface isactivated for game play in conjunction with a small systems interfacewindow displaying scrolling text;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the display screen of the gamingdevice in FIG. 3, while a gaming interface is activated for game play inconjunction with a partial screen systems interface displaying a 12digit keypad;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the display screen of a gamingdevice, in accordance with the present invention, while a gaminginterface is activated;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the display screen of the gamingdevice in FIG. 5, while a full screen player services interface isactivated;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the display screen of the gamingdevice in FIG. 5, while a full screen employee systems interface isactivated; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a relational diagram of the security architecture ofa display and input system that shows the information security boundarylogically dividing the critical game security components inside of theboundary from the non-critical components outside of the boundary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the display and input system, constructed inaccordance with the present invention, is directed towards theintegration of system functions with gaming functions on a video displayscreen of a gaming device. The display and input system providesenhanced player satisfaction and excitement, as well as improved gamingdevice reliability, interactivity, flexibility, security, andaccountability. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like referencenumerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and,more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of a displayand input system 10 constructed in accordance with the presentinvention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present inventionis a display and input system 10 for players and casino employees. Thedisplay and input system 10 provides an enhanced means for displayingservice and system information 14 via a system network 18 to a playerand/or to a casino employee. The display and input system 10 enablespart or all of a video display screen 40 in a gaming device 50, whichhad previously been used only as a gaming interface 30, to be utilizedas a systems interface 20 for data entry and retrieval of the serviceand system information 14. The systems interface 20 accesses service andsystem information 14 from the system network 18. This is a dramaticimprovement over traditional system components (input/outputperipherals) that have been used in the past to access service andsystem information 14 from the system network 18. As shown in FIG. 2,these traditional system components include 2-line, 20 character VFdisplays and 12-digit keypads. Referring again to FIG. 1, it should benoted that preferred embodiment of the display and input system 10, doesnot control game play itself (e.g., game play betting, game play flow,or game play operation). Rather, the preferred display and input system10 provides only a limited form of game play monitoring, indirectly,with respect to the monitoring of player points.

As shown in FIG. 2, current gaming devices utilize the video displayscreen 40 solely as a gaming interface 30 for the device 50. The gaminginterface 30 provides access to the display screen 40 associated withgame play where the player participates in gaming activity. However, inthe preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1,the display and input system 10 integrates both the systems interface 20and the gaming interface 30 via the video display screen 40, which;again, was previously used only for game play via the gaming interface.In one embodiment, the systems interface 20 of the display and inputsystem 10 includes a touchscreen keypad and display. In this manner,service and system information 14 from the system network 18 isdisplayed to players through the systems interface 20 within the displayscreen 40. Further, the systems interface 20 provides a player withdirect interactive access to the service and system information 14 inthe system network 18, preferably by using the display screen 40 as atouchscreen input device. This type of systems interface 20 providesgreater simplicity, flexibility, player excitement, interactivity, anddevelopmental options than using traditional system components 60 thatprovide only limited service/system access, typically through codes orcommand lines.

A preferred embodiment display and input system 10 of the presentinvention uses a game platform 70 as its foundation. The game platform70 uses two separate processors connected by a serial line, preferablyRS-232. The first processor, referred to as the input/output processor80 (IOP), contains no video or sound hardware. The IOP 80 is responsiblefor all hard real time processing requirements (e.g., approximately sub200 milliseconds), which are typically hardware driven requirements. TheIOP 80 contains all of the game logic 34, random number generators(RNG), host input/output (I/O), device I/O, and the core main andpersonality EPROMs. The term “mains,” refers to the majority of the codethat runs the physical hardware and peripherals related to the wageringgame. The term “personalities” refers to code that contains the rules ofthe wagering game, which include by way of example only, and not by wayof limitation, game odds, probabilities, winning symbols, and the like.

The second processor is a diskless, Pentium class PC-based processor 90.The processor 90 accesses a CD-ROM (read-only drive) that controls videoand sound output. The graphics, sound files, presentation software, andbasic operating system are stored on the CD-ROM. A modified BIOS chip,referred to as a BIOS+, provides typical PC boot functions, as well asverification and decryption algorithms. The Pentium class processor 90is generally defined as a processor capable of supporting a graphic userinterface (GUI) gaming environment. In other preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, a non-Pentium class (but, substantiallyequivalent) processor is utilized instead of the Pentium class processor90. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that this processor can be ofany type including, by way of example only, and not by way oflimitation, another non-Pentium Intel processor, Advanced Micro Devices(AMD) processor, Motorola processor, or the like.

A preferred embodiment of the display and input system 10 of the presentinvention, enables the system components 60 to take advantage of thegame platform 70, by enabling the system components 60 to communicatedirectly with the processor 90, which provides the functionality of agraphic user interface (GUI), instead of having to access service andsystem information 14 from the system network 18 through a GameMonitoring Unit (Network Interface Card). This communication between thesystem components 60 and the processor 90 enables the processor todisplay the service and system information 14 from the system network 18through a systems interface 20 via the display screen 40. Moreover, theprocessor 90 accesses the service and system information 14 from thesystem network 18 and displays the information in the systems interface20 without involving the game logic process 34 in the TOP gamingprocessor 80. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the gaming interface 30 is displayed on the display screen 40 by thegame logic process 34 in the IOP 80, while the systems interface 20 isdisplayed on the display screen 40 by the systems logic process 26 inthe processor 90.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processor 90runs two processes: the game display process 24 and the systems logicprocess 26. The systems logic process 26 provides access to systeminformation 14 on a system network 18 via the systems interface 20. Thegame display process 24 includes audio-visual capabilities necessary togenerate a wagering game via the gaming interface 30. Typically, thesetwo processes are kept separate due to regulatory concerns.

As described above, the game logic process 34 runs on the IOP 80. TheIOP 80 runs the game logic process 34 that includes the game rulesnecessary to generate a wagering game via the gaming interface 30.Referring again to the Pentium class processor 90, the game displayprocess 24 is the master process and the systems logic process 26 is theslave process. In response to a proper command, the game display process24 relinquishes control of the video display screen 40 to the systemslogic process 26. After the systems logic process 26 has completed itsfunctions, the systems logic process then returns control of the displayscreen 40 to the game display process 24.

The display and input system 10 of the present invention utilizes thevideo display screen 40 and game platform 70 to make casino servicesmore accessible and friendly to casino patrons. In one preferredembodiment of the display and input system 10, the hardwareconfiguration of the game platform 70 employs an existing gamingcommunication systems network 18, thus decreasing implementation costsfor the casino. A standard gaming network interface 16 to the systemsnetwork 18, such as a Mastercom system, includes a multi-drop bus methodof communicating to a keypad and display. The Mastercom system isavailable from Bally Manufacturing, and is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,429,361 to Raven et al. incorporated herein by reference. One suchcurrently utilized bus is an EPI bus (Enhanced Player Interface bus),and uses industry standard I²C hardware and signaling. The networkinterface 16 (or equivalent system) also controls the flow of funds usedwith the gaming device 50 within a particular casino. By utilizing thedisplay and input system 10 of the present invention, the gaming networkinterface 16 can be instructed to move funds between player's accountsand gaming devices by merely touching the display screen 40. Inaddition, many other more sophisticated commands and instructions may beprovided. The display and input system 10 improves the player and casinoemployee interface to the gaming device 50, directly at the gamingdevice itself.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a mechanism forthe EPI bus to input system information 14 into and to retrieve systeminformation from the processor 90 of the game platform 70. Thismechanism is preferably an I²C converter card 100. The I²C convertercard 100 has multi-master capabilities, i.e., the card is capable ofparticipating as both a slave and as a master. This multi-master card100 enables system information 14 (such as information input by a playerinto a systems interface 20 keyboard) to be sent from the Pentium classprocessor 90 to the slot system network 18. Likewise, the card 100 alsoenables system information 14 (such as display messages) to be sent fromthe systems network 18 to the processor 90 of the game platform 70 forviewing by the player through the systems interface 20.

Specifically, in one preferred embodiment of the display and inputsystem 10, the I²C converter card 100 is added to the processor 90 ofthe game platform 70. This enables the game platform 70 to speak andunderstand the I²C protocol message set, and thus, communicate directlywith some of the system components 60 (i.e., the keypad and display).Accordingly, in a preferred display and input system 10 of the presentinvention, the functionality of these system components 60 (the keypadand display) is integrated into a systems interface 20, and the externalhardware of these system components 60 (the keypad and display) iseliminated. In another preferred embodiment of the display and inputsystem 10, a PC board is used to convert I²C bus messages into aPC-acceptable form over a serial port. Thus, this embodiment of thepresent invention would not require an I²C converter card 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, system components 60 for casino patrons and casinoemployees on gaming devices 50 traditionally have been external devicesthat are attached to the gaming devices. These system components 60usually include a card reader, a keypad, and a 2-line VF display foreach machine. In traditional gaming devices, these system components 60are small electronic components that are added to the machine andcontrolled by a network interface card (referred to hereinafter as agame monitoring unit (GMU)). These system components 60 communicatethrough the GMU to access service and system information 14 from thesystem network 18. This is in lieu of communicating through the gamingplatform 70. Typically, these prior system components 60 (e.g., keypad,card reader, and display) communicate through the GMU using a definedI²C protocol message set.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display andinput system 10 (shown in FIG. 1) replaces the traditional 12-digitkeypad and 2-line VF display system components 60 (shown in FIG. 2),which possess only limited functionality, with a systems interface 20having a touchscreen keypad and video display, and that is incorporatedinto the video display screen 40 of the gaming device 50. In otherpreferred embodiments of the present invention, the systems interface 20utilizes various other data input techniques commonly known in the art,instead of the touchscreen data entry. Thus, implementation of thedisplay and input system 10 is an efficient, and highly beneficial,interchanging of parts that integrate the functionality of prior systemcomponents 60 into the systems interface 20, while eliminating theexternal hardware of those components which limited their potentialutility.

In the embodiment described above, the card reader is retained as anexternal system component 60 and not integrated into the systemsinterface 20. Thus, the card reader system component 60 stillcommunicates through the GMU in order to access service and systeminformation 14 from the system network 18, instead of communicatingthrough the game gaming platform 70. This configuration limits theamount of information resident on an identification card (which the cardreader system component 60 will scan) to only an identification numberor code. However, in other preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, all of the system components 60 in the gaming device 50 areintegrated into the systems interface 20. This enables communicationdirectly through the game platform 70 to access service and systeminformation 14 from the system network 18. As such, there is no need foradditional assistance from the GMU.

In an earlier configuration of the game platform 72, as shown in FIG. 2,information input into the display screen 40 by a player is sent only tothe IOP 80, and not to the Pentium class processor 90. Thisconfiguration is utilized in the earlier game platform 72 because thedisplay screen 40 is used solely by the gaming interface 30 that is runby the game logic process 34 located in the IOP 80. Thus, the displayand input system 10 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, mustalso enable the processor 90 to “see” information that is input to thedisplay screen 40. This is performed by a Y adapter 110 that isconnected to the output of the display screen 40. The Y adapter 110 is acable that routes the information from the display screen 40 to both theIOP 80 and the processor 90. The IOP 80 is generally in control of thedisplay screen 40 via the gaming interface 30, however, when the screenfocus shifts to the systems interface 20, the processor 90 assumescontrol of the display screen 40 using the Y adapter 110 so as to “see”touchscreen commands from the player via the systems interface 20.

Additionally, in the earlier game platform 72 configuration, as shown inFIG. 2, information sent to the display screen 40 comes solely from theIOP 80. The Pentium class processor 90 is not configured to control thedisplay screen 40 in the earlier game platform 72 design. Thus, thedisplay and input system 10 of the present invention, as shown in FIG.1, also includes calibration software 130 that enables the Pentium classprocessor 90 to calibrate itself to the display screen 40. Thecalibration software 130 enables the processor 90 to also sendinformation to the display screen 40 for viewing by the player via thesystems interface 20.

Traditionally, the processor 90 employed in the game platform 70 has twoon-board serial ports. Typically in the game platform 70, both Pentiumon-board serial ports have been used. One serial port is used tocommunicate with the IOP 80, while the other serial port is dedicated tothe Game Authentication Terminal (GAT) function. This port is used bygaming regulators in order to attach to a gaming device 50 and performverification operations. In a preferred embodiment of the display andinput system 10 of the present invention, three serial ports are usuallyrequired, since the Pentium class processor 90 must also be connected tothe display screen 40. Thus, in order to accommodate the third serialconnection from the display screen 40 to the processor 90, a portexpander card is added to the processor 90, in a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Alternatively, USB (Universal Serial Bus) can beused for such connections. The IOP 80 is connected to the networkinterface 16 by a serial line, preferably RS-232, in both the earliergame platform 72 configuration (as shown in FIG. 2) and in the gameplatform 70 utilized in conjunction with the display and input system 10(as shown in FIG. 1). Moreover, USB can be implemented for theseconnections, as well.

In another preferred embodiment of the display and input system 10 ofthe present invention, the functions currently preformed by the networkinterface 16 are included within the systems logic processes 26 that arerun on the processor 90. Preferably, the EPI bus on the PC convertercard 100 is still used to connect to any remaining system components 60,such as the card reader. Alternatively, USB can be used for suchperipheral connections. However, in another alternate preferredembodiment, the functionality of all remaining system components 60,such as the card readers, is incorporated into the systems interface 20run by the Pentium class processor 90. This configuration removes theneed for the GMU.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, the Pentium class processor 90 hascontrol over the game logic process 34 and receives touchscreen datadirectly from the display screen 40. Moreover, in this embodiment, theIOP 80 is only responsible for hard real time tasks (sub 200 millisecondtasks) such as de-bouncing buttons, monitoring reel spins, time outs,and other generally hardware related tasks. Thus, in this embodiment,all game logic processes 34, game display processes 24, and systemslogic processes 26 are performed by the Pentium class processor 90. Thisembodiment of the display and input system 10 also allows for game rulesand personalities to be downloaded via the system network 18.Additionally, in this configuration of the present invention the Yadapter 110 is not required, since only the Pentium class processor 90need directly interact with the display screen 40.

In this embodiment, multiple processes remain on the processor 90. At aminimum, a game logic process 34 and a systems logic process 26 areincluded which communicate with one another over a well definedinterface. Additionally, in this embodiment, the current system network18 is replaced by an industry standard, such as 10/100 base T Ethernetrunning over Cat 5, 4 or 3. Thus, a standard 10/100 base T Ethernet cardis added to the Pentium class processor 90 in this embodiment.Preferably, the network employs TCP/IP, http, and XML messaging or avariant of XML. Nevertheless any suitable protocol may be used.

The display and input system 10 enables the game platform 70 to run asystems interface 20 on the display screen 40 of the gaming device 50which previously had been only able to run a gaming interface 30. Thesystems interface 20 enables casino patrons and employees to accessservice and system information 14 from the system network 18 directlythrough the display screen 40 of the gaming device 50, and preferablyincludes a touchscreen keypad and display. Integrating the gaminginterface 30 and systems interface 20 together in the display screen 40provides increased flexibility and functionality, while maintaining thegame logic process 34 on the IOP 80 and the systems logic process 26 onthe processor 90. Separating the game logic process 34 on the IOP 80from the systems logic process 26 on the Pentium class processor 90provides for increased security, as well as increased compatibility dueto interchangeability.

Accordingly, changes can be made to the systems interface 20 (andremaining system components 60) or to the game logic process 34 withoutimpacting one another. This allows independent development organizationsto proceed separately, if desired, with one organization directedtowards the game logic process 34 and the other organization directedtowards the systems interface 20. Yet, when a player views the displayscreen 40 of the gaming device 50 that has incorporated the presentinvention, the service and system information 14 accessed through theprocessor 90 appears to be integrated with game logic process 34 that isbeing run in the IOP 80, just as the systems interface 20 and the gaminginterface 30 are integrated in the display screen 40.

A preferred embodiment of the display and input system 10 providesaccess to service and system information 14 from the system network 18that is of interest to the player or the casino employee. Significantly,a preferred display and input system 10 of the present invention is gameindependent. In other words, since the display and input system 10 doesnot affect or control game play, the system 10 can be interchangeablyutilized in conjunction with most any game, while still providing accessto service and system information 14 from the system network 18 for thecasino patron and employee provided that the game platform 70 (or gamingplatform with equivalent functionality) is utilized.

The advent of the game platform 70 created an environment that was ripefor the development of the display and input system 10, incorporatingthe systems interface 20 with a keypad and display into the videodisplay screen 40 of a gaming device 50. Since the game platform 70includes a Pentium class processor 90 that employs a GUI (e.g., “Windowsenvironment,” or alternatively a LINUX environment or a JAVA applet),this gaming platform enables multiple applications to be runsimultaneously (providing many potential advantages for use within agaming environment). Thus, the display and input system 10 enables anarea on the display screen 40 to be allocated as a systems interface 20in order to show player messages that would previously have had to bedisplayed on an separate display device (e.g., a 2-line VF displaydevice); such device being attached to the gaming device 50. In anotherembodiment, a touchscreen button and/or an identification card are usedby the player to activate a full screen systems interface 20 allowingaccess to system functions such as cashless withdraw, balance requests,system requests, points redemption, and the like. By having the entiredisplay screen 40 accessible for the systems interface 20, theusefulness of the interface for the casino patrons (and employees) isdramatically improved.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the display and input system10 identifies the player or employee using a traditional “dumb”identification card (i.e., a card with no memory or other type ofupdating functionality). The display and input system 10 does not usethe identification card to record winnings, losses, game plays, or anyother type of information. Instead, the identification card containsonly a unique player or employee identification number that ispermanently and unalterably embedded within the card. All other playerinformation (winnings, losses, game plays, etc.) is stored and accessedon a back-end server, as referenced by the number from theidentification card. It will be appreciated, however, that other type ofcards may be used, e.g., smart cards, but the enhanced processing andmemory capabilities are not required to practice the present invention.

In one embodiment of the display and input system 10, as shown in FIG.3, a small message area 112 on the display screen 40 is reserved for useby the systems interface 20 during game play. In this specificembodiment, the systems interface 20 scrolls system messages to theplayer within this small message area 112 of the display screen 40,while the remainder of the display screen is used by gaming interface30. The scrolling message can be set at any desired length. This messagemight state, for example, “Welcome to Harrah's Las Vegas! You have 1200bonus points. Would you like to make a hotel or dinner reservation?”Additionally, by inserting a player identification card into a cardreader and/or selecting a player services button 114, a systemsinterface keypad 116 is activated for additional player servicesfunctionality, as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, in another embodiment, the display screen 40includes a touchscreen button 118 that activates a full screen systemsinterface 20 when selected. (In some embodiments insertion of anidentification card is also required.) In this embodiment, the gamelogic process 34 in the IOP 80 recognizes when this touchscreen button118 on the display screen 40 is selected and, in response, relinquishescontrol of the display screen 40 to the Pentium class processor 90, thusdeactivating (or minimizing) the gaming interface 30 and activating (ormaximizing) the systems interface 20. Meanwhile, the processor 90running the systems interface 20 takes control of the display screen 40and provides a means of directly accessing the service and systeminformation 14 from the system network 18 using touchscreen data entry.This is accomplished without involving the game logic process 34 in theIOP 80. FIG. 5 shows the display screen 40 of the gaming device 50 withonly the full screen gaming interface 30 activated, in accordance withthe present invention. FIG. 6 shows the display screen 40 of the gamingdevice 50 with only the full screen player services interface 20activated, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 shows thedisplay screen 40 of the gaming device 50 with only the full screenemployee systems interface 20 activated, in accordance with the presentinvention.

In one exemplary embodiment of the display and input system 10 thatutilizes a card reader (or other identification technique) to recognizea particular player, the systems interface 20 displays a textualgreeting to that player, for example, “Welcome, Mr. Smith!” in responseto recognizing Mr. Smith's identification card. Preferably, as shown inFIG. 6, the systems interface 20 also has touchscreen icon buttons 120including, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation,“Beverages,” “Change,” “Services,” “Transactions,” and “Return to Game.”Further, each of these icon buttons 120, when selected, launches a newfull screen display within the systems interface 20 to display to theplayer. For example, in one embodiment, when the “Transactions” iconbuttons 120 is selected, a new screen is activated that includes thetext, “Mr. Smith, Account Balance: Bonus Points=1200, Player Funds=$150,Available Credit=$850, Casino Matching Funds Available=$25,” as well asthe “Return to Game” icon buttons 120. As a further example, when theplayer selects a “Cashless Withdraw” button in other embodiment, a newscreen is activated that includes a touchscreen keypad and the textualquestion, “How much do you want?” as well as “Enter,” “Clear,” and“Back” buttons. Preferably, this interface also includes an“Information” button that, when selected, launches a new screen withinthe systems interface 20 that provides answers to frequently askedquestions and other useful information. Moreover, the interfacepreferably includes a “History” button that, when selected, launches anew screen within the systems interface 20 that provides a history logof all transactions and other actions performed on that gaming device50.

As discussed above, a preferred embodiment of the display and inputsystem 10 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, uses a gameplatform 70 as its foundation. The game platform 70 itself, is a highlyadvantageous system, that enables casino owners to draw off of the largelibrary of casino game functions available in a traditional masterprocessing unit (MPU) stand-alone platform, while adding the graphicsand sound capabilities of a personal computer. Current stand-alone MPUsystems also contain drivers for all types of casino games (slot, poker,keno, etc.). The IOP 80 in the game platform 70 is derived from atraditional MPU stand-alone platform, and provides access to the abovedescribed library of casino game functions and drivers for these casinogames.

However, the PC industry has a large number of tools that can creategraphics and sound very efficiently. For this and other reasons, thegame platform 70 includes a Pentium class processor 90 running anoperating system that accepts PC sound and graphics content. In onepreferred embodiment, the operating system in the processor 90 of thegame platform 70 is Microsoft NT embedded. The game platform 70 combinesthe strengths of a traditional stand-alone MPU game engine with theaudio and visual capabilities that are available in the PC industry.Thus, the game platform 70 enables PC content to be used directly on agame platform vis-à-vis a Windows operating system environment (or othersuitable graphic user interface (GUI)).

The IOP 80 in the game platform 70 differs from the traditionalstand-alone MPU architecture in several ways. For example, in the gameplatform 70 the contents of the graphics chips are not located in theIOP 80 (as they are in the MPU), but rather are replaced by enhancedgraphics and animations stored on the CD-ROM. Additionally, in the gameplatform 70 the contents of sound chips are not located on the IOP 80(as they are in the MPU), but rather they are replaced by enhanced soundfiles stored on the CD-ROM. The Pentium class processor 90 haspresentation software for displaying the graphics and sound upon requestfrom the game logic process 34 within the IOP 80.

In one preferred embodiment, the game platform 70 utilizes an “EPROM andCD-ROM paired” design. In this configuration, the IOP 80 contains thegame logic 34, random number generators (RNG), and core mains andpersonalities. In addition, the IOP 80 does all of the input/outputactivities for driving hoppers, buttons, lights, acceptors, etc. Thesefunctions are all contained on EPROM and are verifiable by traditionalIC testing techniques. The BIOS+ on the Pentium motherboard verifies theCD-ROM before loading any properties on to the Pentium RAM. The CD-ROMcontains the operating system, display, and audio and graphics programs.

One preferred example of the media flow proceeds in the followingsequence. (1) Verify the boot chip using traditional IC verificationtechniques. (2) The power comes up. The BIOS+ runs a self-verificationon its own code. (3) The processor 90 begins executing the BIOS+. (4)The BIOS+ comes up far enough to read the CD-ROM. Verification is run onthe entire CD-ROM contents using a SHA-1 algorithm contained with in theBIOS+. (5) A private key encrypted SHA-1 value, located in a securelocation on the CD-ROM, is decrypted with the public key and algorithmcontained on the BIOS+. (6) The results of the SHA-1, and now decryptedSHA-1 value, are compared. A match allows the operating system, programfiles, graphics, and audio to be loaded into the Pentium's RAM from theCD-ROM. (7) Since the IOP 80 can boot faster from EPROM, the 10P waitsto hear that the Pentium has booted and loaded all needed softwarecomponents into RAM. (8) The IOP 80 then checks the Pentium softwarelevels using the same scheme used to match game driver levels topersonality chip requirements. If the versions are acceptable, the IOP80 confirms that the game personality contained in the EPROM matches thegame personality on the CD-ROM. (9) The game then proceeds, driven bythe IOP 80. Thus, the game personality contained in the EPROM on the IOP80, and the game personality on the Pentium CD-ROM, are a matched set.If the two do not match, a fatal tilt results, rendering the gameinoperable. This also means that the regulators must approve both theEPROM and the CD-ROM for every game released for distribution andapproval.

In another preferred embodiment, the game platform 70 utilizes a “CD-ROMcontrolled” design. In this configuration, with the introduction of theBIOS+ driven SHA-1 CD-ROM verification, the game personality contentsare placed only on the CD-ROM, and not on an EPROM located in the IOP80. This design provides the advantage of reducing the testing anddistribution workload for gaming regulators. By utilizing thisconfiguration, only a CD-ROM needs to be tested and released for newgame content. This also eliminates the potential for compatibilitymismatches between a personality chip in an EPROM of the IOP 80, and inthe CD-ROM contents associated with the Pentium class processor 90.Moreover, this “CD-ROM controlled” design also eases the need forcompatibility checks between the IOP 80 and Pentium class processor 90.Existing game driver level checks between the IOP 80 mains and the gamepersonalities remain in place and are equally effective in thisRAM-based personality design. Once the Pentium class processor 90 bootsand successfully verifies the contents of the CD-ROM, a binary image ofthe game personality is downloaded from the CD-ROM to a RAM chip locatedwithin the IOP 80. This RAM chip occupies the same socket that the gamepersonality EPROM did in the IOP 80 in the “paired” design game platform70.

In the game platform 70, since there are two motherboards, the IOP 80and Pentium 90, each must have an operating system. The IOP 80preferably uses VRTX as its operating system. VRTX is a reliable,real-time operating system with multi-tasking capabilities that has beenused in the gaming environment for many years. The Pentium classmotherboard 90 preferably uses Microsoft Windows NT embedded. NTembedded is particularly effective since many tools and developers areavailable for producing creative content on Windows-style platforms.However, other operating systems could also be selected in otherembodiments of the present invention, depending on many factors,including the desired graphic user interface (GUI).

Windows NT embedded differs from standard desktop operating systems,such as Windows 98 and Windows NT, which require a hard drive. Theseoperating systems make use of a swap file to move programs and databetween RAM and a hard disk. However, NT embedded eliminates the needfor a swap file. NT embedded is customizable in this regard, allowingthe swap file size to be set to zero so that no writable mass storagedevice is required. Further, NT embedded is preferably modified andcompiled with only those components required to run a particular game(or games). In other words, there are no additional drivers or servicesprovided. Typically, there is no GUI interface, keyboard, mouse drivers,or TCP/IP stack (or networking capabilities whatsoever). Preferably,this modified version of NT embedded is completely stand-alone andprovides none of the traditional accessing “handles.”

Referring now to security requirements, a primary objective of thesecurity design is to satisfy all security requirements and gamingjurisdiction directives. The relevant directives require that theverification information and the verification code reside on a“conventional ROM device.” However, pursuant to the proposed amendmentsto Gaming Regulations, a “conventional ROM device” may include FLASHmemory components provided that they cannot be altered while installedin a gaming device. To satisfy these directives, the verificationalgorithm in the game platform 70 resides on a conventional ROM device,secured within the Pentium/IOP assembly.

The security architecture logically divides the game security componentsinside and outside of an information security (INFOSEC) boundary. Thecritical game security components are located on the inside the INFOSECBoundary, as shown in FIG. 8. On the secure inside of the INFOSECBoundary, the game platform 70 includes the IOP 80 and the Pentium classprocessor 90, connected by a serial line. Preferably, the IOP portion 80of the design is based on a Motorola 68332 and EPROMs on a VRTXoperating system. Preferably, on the Pentium portion 90, the BIOS+ chipplugs into the Pentium motherboard and is physically secured within thePentium assembly chassis. The conventional ROM device is socketed intothe Pentium motherboard 90 and can be covered with a tamper-evidentmaterial. The CD-ROM assembly 92 is logically outside of the INFOSECboundary. The CD-ROM assembly 92 contains a commercial off-the-shelf CDread-only reader and the game CD-ROM. The game CD-ROM assembly 92contains a custom version of NT embedded as the operating system,presentation programs, audio content, and video content.

The game platform 70 provides a secure boot and initial CD-ROMverification. The EPROM verification software resides within the IOP 80.The verification software verifies all EPROMs on the IOP board 80 (i.e.,mains and personalities) upon application of power to the game platform70. Next, after the application of power to the platform, the BIOS+performs a self-verification on all of its code. Once satisfactorilycompleted, the Pentium class board 90 begins executing code from theBIOS+ contained in the conventional ROM device. This process verifiesthe conventional ROM device and detects any substitution of the BIOS+.

Upon boot-up of the Pentium, the BIOS+ executes a SHA-1 verification ofthe entire CD-ROM. The digital signature is calculated and compared withan encrypted signature stored in a secure location on the CD-ROM usingthe RSA private/public key methodology. If the signatures compare, theBIOS+ allows the modified NT embedded operating system to boot from theCD-ROM, followed by the game presentation software. After verificationof the total CD-ROM, the modified (and now verified) NT embeddedoperating system is loaded from the CD-ROM into the Pentium RAM. Next,display programs and content are verified, before being loaded into theIOP RAM to be executed for normal game operation.

The game platform 70 performs many verification processes during boot-upand operation. Each game personality EPROM image on the IOP 80 iscompared with those on the accompanying CD-ROM. Further, verification ofall files on the CD-ROM is conducted by an algorithm that originates onthe BIOS+. The IOP board 80 informs the Pentium 90 of any tilts thatoccur. Additionally, the IOP 80 initiates re-verification of the CD-ROM.Moreover, on the EPROM-controlled IOP 80, memory is continuously testedin order to immediately catch any changes.

The advantages of utilizing the display and input system 10 of thepresent invention are numerous. These advantages include, by way ofexample only, and not by way of limitation, simplification of the useand appearance of the systems interface 20 by integrating the interface20 into the display screen 40; providing fonts and icons which arelarger and more aesthetically appealing; providing special services toplayers, (e.g., multiple languages, assistance for handicappedindividuals); lowering overall system costs by eliminating hardwarecomponents; lowering maintenance costs as a result of the fewer hardwarecomponents; facilitating interactive uses of the systems interface 20and game interface 30; providing the ability to customize the “look andfeel” of the systems interface 20 for players and casino employees;facilitating the efficiency of modifying the systems interface 20; andallowing system features and components to be modified without affectingthe game design or logic.

Although the invention has been described in language specific tocomputer structural features, methodological acts, and by computerreadable media, it is to be understood that the invention defined in theappended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures,acts, or media described. Therefore, the specific structural features,acts and mediums are disclosed as exemplary embodiments implementing theclaimed invention.

Furthermore, the various embodiments described above are provided by wayof illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention.Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modificationsand changes that may be made to the present invention without followingthe example embodiments and applications illustrated and describedherein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing for the integration ofgaming functions and system functions into a gaming device having avideo touch screen display that displays gaming information, the methodcomprising: configuring the gaming device to have at least one firstprocessor that enables real time processing of hardware tasks and gamelogic processes, the gaming machine comprising: (i) a plurality of inputdevices including: (a) an acceptor of a first physical item associatedwith monetary funds; (b) a button actuatable to cause an initiation of apayout associated with a credit balance; (ii) at least one gamingmachine memory device storing a gaming program; configuring a secondprocessor that enables processing of system logic processes and systeminformation display processes; enabling a player to input a wager andplay a wagering game at the gaming device; providing a reader thatenables reading a player identification card; the gaming device beingconnected to a system network and receiving system-based informationsignals including information based upon identification of the player;and integrating, using the second processor, while sharing a part of thevideo touch screen display with the wagering game content, aninteractive systems interface into the video touch screen display of thegaming device that is used to display the gaming information, theinteractive systems interface including a systems message areadisplaying interactive non-game system information from a system networkthrough the gaming device to a player via the video touch screen displayof the gaming device while gaming information is concurrently displayed,and wherein the interactive systems interface enables requests to beinput into the system network from the interactive systems interfacethrough the gaming device by a player while gaming information isconcurrently displayed; the at least one first processor controlling thevideo touch screen display to display a gaming interface and presentwagering game content to a player of a game, while maintaining thesystems logic processes separate from the game logic processes thesecond processor calibrating display of the interactive non-game systeminformation on the video touch screen display.
 2. The method of claim 1comprising configuring said second processor to display at said videotouch screen display a button which, if selected and touched by theplayer, results in the display of a menu of player selections at saidinteractive systems interface.
 3. The method of claim 2 comprisingconfiguring said second processor to display at said video touch screendisplay a button which, if selected and touched by the player, resultsin the display of said menu as an input keypad at said interactivesystems interface.
 4. The method of claim 1 comprising configuring saidsecond processor to display at said video touch screen display a buttonwhich, if selected and touched by the player, results in relinquishmentof the entire video touch screen display over to the display of saidsystem interface.
 5. The method of claim 1 comprising configuring saidfirst and second processors to process said game logic processes andsystem logic processes as separate processing threads.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 comprising configuring said second processor to control saidvideo touch screen display to display at said part of the video touchscreen display a systems player interface to a player upon insertion ofsaid player identification card into the card reader and a systemsemployee interface upon insertion of an employee identification cardinto the card reader.
 7. A method for providing for the integration ofgaming functions and system functions into a gaming device having avideo touch screen display, the method comprising: configuring thegaming device to have at least one first processor that enables realtime processing of hardware tasks and game logic processes, the gamingmachine comprising: (i) a plurality of input devices including: (a) anacceptor of a first physical item associated with monetary funds; (b) abutton actuatable to cause an initiation of a payout associated with acredit balance; (ii) at least one gaming machine memory device storing agaming program; configuring a second processor that enables processingsystem logic processes and system information display processes;enabling a player to input a wager and play a wagering game at thegaming device; the gaming device being connected to a system network andreceiving system-based information signals; and integrating, using thesecond processor, while sharing a part of the video touch screen displaywith the wagering game content, an interactive systems interface intothe video touch screen display of the gaming device that is used todisplay the gaming information, the interactive systems interfaceincluding a systems message area displaying interactive non-game systeminformation from a system network through the gaming device to a playervia the video touch screen display of the gaming device while gaminginformation is concurrently displayed, and wherein the interactivesystems interface enables requests to be input into the system networkfrom the interactive systems interface through the gaming device by aplayer while gaming information is concurrently displayed; the at leastone first processor controlling the video touch screen display todisplay a gaming interface and present a wagering game a player of agame, while maintaining the systems logic processes separate from thegame logic processes; and the second processor calibrating display ofthe interactive non-game system information on the video touch screendisplay, the interactive systems interface having a displayed buttonwhich, if selected by the player, results in display of a touch inputkeypad on the video touch screen display.
 8. The method of claim 7comprising configuring said second processor to display at said videotouch screen display said button which, if selected and touched by theplayer, results in relinquishment of the display of said video touchscreen display over to the display of said interactive systemsinterface.
 9. A method for providing for the integration of gamingfunctions and system functions into a gaming device having a video touchscreen display and an identification card reader, the method comprising:configuring the gaming device to have at least one first processor thatenables real time processing of hardware tasks and game logic processes,the gaming machine comprising: (i) a plurality of input devicesincluding: (a) an acceptor of a first physical item associated withmonetary funds; (b) a button actuatable to cause an initiation of apayout associated with a credit balance; (ii) at least one gamingmachine memory device storing a gaming program; configuring a secondprocessor that enables processing of system logic processes and systeminformation display processes; providing a card reader apparatus thatenables receiving and reading of a player identification card andemployee identification card; the gaming device being connected to asystem network and receiving system-based information signals; andintegrating, using the second processor, while sharing a part of thevideo touch screen display with the wagering game content, aninteractive systems interface into the video touch screen display of thegaming device that is used to display the gaming information, theinteractive systems interface including a systems message areadisplaying interactive non-game system information from a system networkthrough the gaming device to a player via the video touch screen displayof the gaming device while gaming information is concurrently displayed,and wherein the interactive systems interface enables requests to beinput into the system network from the interactive systems interfacethrough the gaming device by a player while gaming information isconcurrently displayed; the at least one first processor controlling thevideo touch screen display to display a gaming interface and presentwagering game content to a player of a game, while maintaining thesystems logic processes separate from the game logic processes; and thesecond processor calibrating display of the interactive non-game systeminformation on the video touch screen display, the second processorfurther controlling the video touch screen display to display a systemsplayer interface to a player upon insertion of a player identificationcard into the card reader and a systems employee interface uponinsertion of an employee identification card into the card reader. 10.The method of claim 9 comprising configuring said second processor todisplay a button which, if selected and touched by the player, resultsin relinquishment of said gaming interface over to said interactivesystems interface.